You know guys, this is a great discussion.
I started flying in 1967 with a new fangled propo Kraft system in Jacksonville FL when I was twelve. I got to see Rhett Miller fly (man, he was so good that the whole field clapped when he finished his routine), I read every word in RCM, and I scratched a Taurus at fifteen. I left the hobby for a short time in the early 80's while I served the Uncle, and it looks like I missed a critical time in pattern land.
Since getting back in, I have focused on sport flying, and a little scale, but I find I'm one of only a few guys at the field that actually fly manuevers that a person could tell were planned. This is bringing back a lot of memories of the old days, and it looks like I need to get hot on building this bird ... maybe I can realize that missed dream of competing in pattern!
The advice on the pipe has been critical ... I thought I had a useless engine and would need to invest in a four stroke ... thanks!!

Regards to all